ASL-LEX review
A free research reference for exploring ASL signs, properties, and visualizations.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
ASL-LEX is a free web database for looking up American Sign Language signs and exploring their lexical and phonological properties. It is aimed at researchers and others examining ASL sign data, rather than learners seeking a sequenced course. The ASL-LEX 2.0 database covers 2,723 signs, with information including English glosses, frequency, iconicity, phonology, and neighborhood density. Search by gloss to locate signs, or use database properties to narrow the set you want to examine.
Its research value comes from combining lookup with ways to inspect relationships and distributions. An interactive network graph helps users explore connections among signs, while scatterplots present sign properties visually. Reference videos provide a way to view signs alongside their database information, and raw-data downloads support work beyond the web interface. This makes ASL-LEX a better fit for investigation and reference than for practicing a curriculum or following lessons.
ASL-LEX is available on the web at no cost. The database and visualizations are licensed CC BY-NC 4.0, while reference videos have separate restrictions, so users should check the applicable terms before reusing material. The project is a collaboration involving researchers at San Diego State University, Boston University, and Tufts University. Choose it when your priority is exploring ASL sign properties or working with sign data; choose a structured learning resource instead if you need guided instruction or practice activities.
ASL-LEX pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Search by English gloss and filter signs by database properties
- Explore sign relationships in network graphs and property scatterplots
- View reference videos and download raw database data
- Where it doesn't
- Focused on research and reference, not structured language learning
- Covers American Sign Language rather than multiple signed languages
- Reference videos have separate restrictions from the database license
ASL-LEX fact sheet, pricing and score →
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